Homeless children figures at 7-year high
More than 200 kids suffer in West Lothian
The number of homeless children living in West Lothian has hit a seven-year high.
Shock figures released by the Scottish Government have shown that on March 31 this year, there were 147 “homeless” families living in temporary accommodation in the county.
Among those households were 240 children who had been declared homeless after applications to West Lothian Council - the highest since 2009.
A total of 355 households were being put up by the council in B&Bs, hostels and social sector facilities – the highest number since 2010.
Overall, homelessness applications rose from 1334 in 2014/15 to 1361 in 2015/ 16 with 82 per cent of those
eventually being deemed to meet the “homeless” or “threatened homeless” criteria.
A West Lothian Council spokeswoma n said: “Homelessness is a problem that is often caused by a number of complex factors and it is a local authority’s role to act when an individual approaches them to make a homelessness presentation.
“West Lothian Council’s aim is that homelessness is prevented as far as possible. Temporary accommodation is typically a council house or flat and non- council accommodation is only ever used as a short- term, last resort until a council house becomes available.
“Homeless families with children are prioritised for the provision of temporary accommodation until the council or social landlord can provide a permanent home.”
The spokeswoman said that the increase in applications may relate to the increasing population and the high number of 16 to 25-year-olds living in West Lothian.
West Lothian Council is building 1000 new homes to alleviate pressure on the demand for affordable housing in the county.
She said: “West Lothian Council provide a 24-hour service for people who are homeless or potentially homeless. “Please do not wait until you do not have anywhere to stay – the council may be able to prevent you becoming homeless. A free phone number is provided at 0800 032 3450.”
Despite the rise in applications, there was a fall in the number of people who had slept rough in the last year with 60 compared to 90 in 2014/15.
Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance said: “It is disappointing that the number of children living in temporary accommodation has increased. While there are many reasons that a family may become homeless, the quality of temporary accommodation used is generally good, wellmanaged social housing.
“By working together with councils and other partners, the Scottish Government are working to ensure that everyone has a settled, warm and safe place to call home.”
Fiona Hyslop, the MSP for Linlithgow, said: “On noting these statistics I have written to the chief executive of West Lothian Council to ask for a meeting to discuss the reasons behind these figures and the best way forward to ensure the best possible outcome for all households looking for permanent accommodation.”
Lothians MSP Neil Findlay called for more controls on private rents.
He said: “Homelessness affects far too many of our fellow citizens.
“As a former housing officer I saw day in day out how good quality housing provides a stable and comfortable environment for people to bring up their family.
“We need to build more housing for rent and introduce controls on private sector rents to help more people secure a safe warm home in which to live.”